Musician Richard Mittelstet released the song “Albuquerque!” on Feb. 23 along with an accompanying music video highlighting what he loved about the Duke City.

His description praised Albuquerque describing it as not only the birthplace of his daughter and home for four years but as a quiet diverse city with much unity and love.

With as much passion and love that has been injected into the lyrics, a casual listener of the song may, however, may find it surprising that Mittelstet had not always felt so strong about Albuquerque.

Mittelstet’s journey to discovering Albuquerque and his love for the city began when his wife was accepted into the University of New Mexico. After receiving the acceptance letter the two quickly packed their bags for the Duke City.

Mittelstet didn’t know what to expect of his new home for the next four years. Everything he ever remembered hearing about Albuquerque was blanketed in negativity and he was uncertain what the future held in store for him.

It didn’t take long, however, for that uncertainty to transform into wonder. Rather than battling with a bleak and dangerous environment Mittelstet instead found himself immersed in a city filled with culture, diversity and a thriving music scene.

“There was so much art and artistic people out there going to different open mics and just getting out and sharing their gifts while being able to just express themselves,” Mittelstet said.

As a musician, Mittelstet found himself inspired by the culture of Albuquerque quickly finding venues to play in and even establishing a regularly scheduled performance at Java Joe’s.

Outside of his growth as an artist, Mittelstet found renewed interest in hobbies he had long left behind including biking and hiking. With his home located near Old Town, Mittelstet and his wife would often walk among the local shops together taking in the art and the culture of the city.

“There is so much talent in Albuquerque and New Mexico in general,” he said. “So many gifted artists and it was great to be immersed in that.”

As his time in Albuquerque neared its end Mittelstet was struck with inspiration on October of 2016 and staring at the city that was his home for many years Mittelstet wrote a song to encapsulate what he loved about it.

“Sometimes the songs just fall out of the sky and that one definitely did,” he said. “Albuquerque is the only city I have written a song for.”

With footage being shot in May of 2017 for an accompanying video the song titled “Albuquerque!” was released. A musician’s goodbye to a city that had helped him grow in his musical career and as an individual.

Now residing in his new home in Richfield, Minnesota Mittelstet said he still treasures many of his memories from his time in Albuquerque. One that stood out among the rest involved events put together by friend and fellow musician Seth Hoffman who has also released his own song serenading the Duke City titled “Albuquerque Nights.”

Hoffman, Mittelstet said would host an open mic for musicians regularly attracting a mix of professional and amateur musicians. The venue would encourage new musicians to play and the crowd would be receptive to a variety of musical styles performed, he said.

“I would just love that because he would just invite everybody and anybody,” Mittelstet said. “He would make an environment of just peace and love.”

While Mittelstet no longer reside in Albuquerque his time in the Duke City is one that he will never forget as he continues to move forward as a musician.

“When I go out and play in front of people I feel fulfilled. It’s what I am supposed to be doing. So that’s what I’m hoping for in the future,” Mittelstet said. “The opportunity to play music for as many people as I possibly can.”

Following the new year, many fitness-related resolutions spark people’s motivation. SPENGA, a boutique fitness studio that calls themselves an “unrivaled fitness experience,” opened to the public on Feb. 18 — just in time to keep people focused and their resolutions on track.

Consisting of 20 minutes of spin or indoor cycling, 20 minutes of strength training and 20 minutes of yoga, SPENGA creates what they call the “best workout ever.” The gym, providing a diverse experience, invites people with tight schedules looking to improve or maintain their physical health in just 60 minutes.

“We don’t just focus on two of the various principles that are involved with working out,” he said. “We make sure that we get all three facets which are cardio, strength training and flexibility. The way that we have accomplished that is with the three items that we do here which are spin, strength and yoga.”

Lopez said SPENGA is ideal for anyone, but especially those who want a good workout without the side effect of joint pain.

“We believe in community, not competition. We just happen to fulfill a niche that will help people who are looking to avoid high impact on joints,” Lopez said.

Additionally, locals can expects SPENGA to be invested in community involvement and building relationships.

“Not only are you part of the community and what everybody’s doing inside of the walls of the gym, but we’re going to make sure we get you guys outside so that you can experience those relationships above and beyond what you’re doing here,” Lopez said.

Mario Diaz, a SPENGA instructor, said he stays motivated to teach classes because of SPENGA’s atmosphere along with its one-of-a-kind aesthetic.

“My favorite feature of SPENGA is the multisensory experience — from the cleanliness of the studio, to the mint gum offered for every session,” Diaz said. He told ABQ Live dimming the green and white LED lights in the studio to resemble a nightclub during sessions adds for a unique experience.

“It [SPENGA] is an excellent addition to any sort of training routine you currently have, and it can certainly complete your routine,” Diaz added.

The customer service offered at SPENGA is the forefront of their business. Rafal Hussein, customer experience manager at SPENGA, said her job has allowed her to widen her network on a level she never thought existed — at least in the workplace.

“Learning their [members] names and really getting to know them — it’s become personal. It’s not just a job. I get to interact with a lot of people I never thought I would,” Hussein said.

She said price has been a significant factor when potential customers consider a membership. But with SPENGA operating as a one-stop shop for cardio, strength training and flexibility and mobility exercises, the membership prices are a bargain.

“It [SPENGA] is the cheapest form to workout with an instructor. It’s a you versus you concept. It’s not a competition. It’s about you and how you’re willing to utilize the workout and push yourself,” Hussein added.

People who are interested in joining SPENGA are eligible for a free three day pass. After the pass expires, the member has the opportunity to register for a membership of four or eight classes a month or an unlimited membership.

SPENGA will hold sessions on March 26 available to the public by donation to raise money for Athletes Against Epilepsy.

Who said singles can’t enjoy Valentine’s Day? Whether you’re up for treating yourself with something sweet or spicy we have a handful of places to brighten your day.

By Ana Gutierrez

Kelly Jo Designs By Wine

Image by Kelly Jo Designs By Wine via Facebook

Stressing over Valentine’s Day? Nothing screams relaxation like a paint night with the bros while sipping on a glass of New Mexico’s premium wine. While you don’t have to be a Picasso to enjoy a class, you sure will leave feeling like an artist! Head on to their website and schedule a singles’ date for you and your buddies and choose from the many painting options offered.

Poki Poblano Fusion Lounge

Image by Poki Poblano via www.pokipoblano.com

Whether you’re living the hashtag “forever alone” life, have a male partner, or even if you just want to appreciate the females in your life, take a stroll to Poki Poblano and celebrate Galentine’s Day! Not only are they offering cocktail specials all week long, but they are discounting 10% off for any gals who come in with their friends or family! Talk about “ladies celebrating ladies!”

Effex Night Club

Image by Effex Night Club via www.effexabq.com

If things don’t go as planned on February 14th, shake things off and dance the night away at Albuquerque’s sensational Effex Night Club. Join in as Effex takes the party to a whole new level — all three levels to be exact! Get down in the main room with Dom Drapper, swing it over to the lounge with The Housekeepers, and then bounce your way up to the rooftop with Burn The Disco and many more musical appearances. All part of the 2nd annual XOXO. Doors open at 9 p.m. — ages 21+ only.

66 Diner

Image by @abq66diner via Instagram

Perk of being single on Valentine’s Day? You don’t have to share your milkshake! Hop into your time traveling DeLorean with your Pink Ladies or T-Birds, go back to the past and shower in the 50’s and 60’s nostalgia. Finely dine a cheeseburger, down one of their many spectacular milkshakes, all while being surrounded by a huge collection of Pez, Elvis Presley, and even blast your favorite tune on the jukebox.

Roller King

Image by Roller King via Facebook

After you finish that keen burger and shake, roll on down to Roller King with your friends and party like it’s 1984! Admission is free on Wednesdays 6-8pm, so you can spend that spare $6 on a Pizza 9 slice, or even play some old school video games at the arcade. On the brightside, you won’t embarrass yourself in front of a Valentine when you inevitably fall on the rink.
Wednesday: Adult Night (18+) 8pm-10pm

What does Darth Vader, Deadpool and Batman have in common? They were all at this years Albuquerque Comic-Con 2019.

By ABQ Live reporter Nichole Harwood

Attendees ranging from young to old flooded the floor of the Albuquerque Convention Center as cosplayers, art lovers and fans of comics and movies alike herald in Albuquerque Comic-Con 2019. The event ran from Jan. 17 through Jan. 20 and included a variety of actors and voice talents including voice actress for the video game “Overwatch” Carolina Ravassa and actor from the hit television series “Sons of Anarchy” Emilio Rivera.

In addition to its roster of celebrities Albuquerque Comic-Con 2019 also provided a variety of talented professional cosplayers such as Leena Royer and Karissa Wisneski local Albuquerque cosplayers from Fairytales Untold Entertainment who dressed as Belle and Elsa on Saturday for the comicon from the respective Disney movies Frozen and Beauty and the Beast. Both cosplayers said they received positive feedback from the busy crowds with many families showing interest in booking them for future events. The two girls passion for playing Disney princesses dates back to the start of the company in 2013.

“I love to be Rapunzel but I also love to be the other princesses I play just as much,” Royer said.

The event had no shortage of artist both national and local and fans were able to purchase a variety of merchandise from handmade jewelry to detailed prints of characters from popular animated and live action series.

One artist Josh Lyman attended the Albuquerque Comic-Con as a vendor for the fourth time this year exhibiting his artistic take on multiple popular genres including Pokemon and Nightmare Before Christmas.

“I draw and I have fun,” Lyman said.”I try to draw things from a fanart point of view from the fans perspective. I will play the games and watch the videos while I play the games thinking about how I want to create the piece.”

In a homage to their favorite characters many cosplayers spared no expense to ensure their costumes reflected there characters the best with one cosplayer even being accompanied by music as they walked past the various artist booths.

This event was filled with a energetic atmosphere and attendees were treated an array of activities such as panels where fans were able to ask favorite celebrities questions and costume contests where attendees were able to judge who resembled there favorite character the most.

With doors closing at 6 p.m. Jan. 20 many attendees left satisfied yet eager and impatient for the next years convention to return.

An Albuquerque company has officially launched its interactive dining experience in the heart of downtown. Located next to Duel Brewery, 610 Central Ave. is the new home to StoryLab Interactive’s latest project – a dining experience that was truly out of this world.

Upon entering, guests are welcomed and immediately can pick up on the theme, which is currently called “Space Returns”. The dining experience starts off by encouraging guests to explore the open space and interactive art while making sure to get that prime photo for your Instagram (FYI- it will be your coolest Insta photo.)

The five course meal was not only delicious and thoughtfully presented but even the menu contained plenty of clever “space” puns and wordplay for each item (a “Rocket Salad” arugula dish and a “Starfruit Halo Halo” dessert, just to name a few). The dinner was presented and served by Savor and with each course, a perfectly paired wine was served as well.

Service was impeccable as each dish was explained before we “dug in”.

Space-guided voices and different galactic scenarios continued as the remaining courses were served. At one point, guests were even presented with a squash bisque in what looked very similar to a “space bag” before using it as an exquisite sauce for the salmon and short ribs course.

The immersive dining experience provided a spotlight for where your plate sat and the lights responded to your moving hands – which made it impossible to NOT interact and appreciate what was happening with those around you.

The homegrown startup company will continue these dinners every Friday and Saturday night at 610 Central Ave. and tickets are required so be sure to grab tickets in advance.

Overall, the entire experience was unlike anything that this city has offered before. Sure, there have been interactive art exhibits but StoryLab Interactive has taken that to the next level by appealing to all senses with this unique dining experience.

Con-Jikon returned to the Ramada hotel in Midtown on Nov. 17-18 to once again help Albuquerque dive into the creative world of anime and gaming.

The anime and gaming convention was created by students from the University of New Mexico in 2013. This year marked the sixth convention for the event. On top of engaging with fans of the anime and gaming community Con-Jikan strove to inspire attendees with its programs. The convention kicked off with an free day that took place Nov. 16 before the regularly scheduled convention giving attendees a free taste of what they could look forward to for their weekend.

Featuring an array of guests including the voice talents of Michele Knotz and James Carter Cathcart the convention promised a day of fun for attendees. Cosplayer’s flooded the halls of the convention as they showcased an array of characters from their favorite video games and animes. In a special treat cosplayers even received the opportunity to compete with each other during Con-Jikon’s Masquerade on Nov. 17 where both novices and professionals pitted there talents against each other in front of a panel of judges. Contestants let there creativity unleash as they not only showcased their outfits but performed choreographed dances or acts. Some winners included a dark comedy routine by a Michael Myers and Jason cosplay from their respective horror movies and video games as well as a Holo and Kraft Lawrence cosplay from the anime Spice and Wolf who splendidly performed to the song The Fox by Ylvis.

Those interested in competing in games were not left disappointed either as interested individuals were given the chance to participate in a Super Smash Bros tournament and Fortnite tournament in which they were able to play against other competitive attendees.

Competitions were not the only thing that attendees were able to look forward to however as an array of panels were also available including one titled “Original Character and Comic Museum” that tackled the origins of many of popular fictional heroes who began as original characters including the likes of Marvel’s Deadpool and Detective Comic’s Harley Quinn.

Outside of the panels and competitions attendees of the event were able to enjoy merchandise from multiple local and nonlocal businesses. Many of the merchandise matched the theme of the convention and included prints of famous gaming and anime characters as well as hair pins and accessories.

Con-Jikon ended with closing ceremonies on Nov.18 with the conventions official twitter page posting a picture of another one of the activities it had made available to attendees, a drawing board which allowed participants to draw freely on sheets of white paper posted. At the end of day two the board was filled with the art of several attendees.

“Here’s our drawings board at the end of Day 2. Again we would like to thank all of the artist who decided to contribute to the image board. With that we will see you again next year,” Con-Jikon tweeted to both new fans of the convention and old.

The sound of a Lindsey Stirling’s violin echoed throughout the crowd paired with the haunting vocals of the lead singer of Evanescence, Amy Lee at the Isleta Amphitheater on Aug. 28.

By Nichole Harwood

With gates opening at 7 p.m. together Evanescence and Stirling delivered a dynamic show introducing a variety of music that ranged from highly energetic and joyful to soothing and melodic.

Stirling first took to the stage dancing with her iconic violin in hand as she was joined with a live orchestra and her dancers. Each songs tone rang true as she performed a variety of favorite melodies ranging from “Roundtable Rival” to “Shatter Me” in which she was joined by Amy Lee for the vocals in the latter.

Likewise in fitting with the themes Stirling and her dancers showcased a variety of costumes and dance styles often telling a story on stage as reflected by the songs.

One particularly moving performance featured one of the dancers dressed as a ballerina attempting to dance only to be shoved and belittled by her fellow dancers when she tried to match their movements. Despite the discouragement the lone dancer persists throughout the song causing attendees of the concert to watch eagerly to see how her fate would unfold by the end of the melody.

Stirling who hails from Arizona said she felt at home among the New Mexican terrain and was excited to perform in New Mexico for the first time. She thanked a cheering crowd as she revealed she grew up as a fan of the band she was sharing a stage with. Stirling expressed her appreciation in sharing the stage with Evanescence even showcasing an old video of her lip syncing the popular song by the group “Bring me to Life”.

Stirling joked about her younger self good naturedly and then spread a message of hope to crowd as she recounted her experiences and the trials she went through to get where she is today.

“I am living proof because I am standing on the stage in front of you tonight I am living proof that it doesn’t matter if someone else sees it in you or not,” Stirling said. “What matters is if you can see it in yourself.”

After encouraging the cheering crowd to follow their dreams and believe in themselves Stirling launched into her song “Take Flight” telling the crowd that the emotions in the song were the closest she can come to describing the feeling of flying.

Stirling also took a moment to share her personal feelings on subjects of depression and anorexia encouraging attendees to understand the importance of positivity and recognizing the steps many take to reach it.

“Rather than focusing on the things I want to take out of myself I focus on the things I want to add to my life,” Stirling said to the crowd.

Following Stirling’s energetic performance was Evanescence who drew cheers from attendees as Lee launched into a mix of both older and newer music. Like with Stirling the addition of the orchestra added a new element to many of Evanescence’s songs.

Many of these tracks were amplified with the emotions of old hits such as “Lithium” and “Imaginary” standing out in particular.

In true fashion to many of Evanescence’s songs the sound of the keys of the piano accompanied lead singer Lee’s voice with the singer herself playing the instrument as well for many segments. Just as with Stirling’s performance Lee was joined on stage by the violinist for a short time.

Lee thanked the attendees with vigor as she expressed her appreciation of her fans calling the audience awesome. As the evening continued both fans of Stirling and Evanescence watched excitedly as the night’s performances unfolded.

“One of the most incredible things about music is its ability to completely transport us to another place, another time, to a precious memory,” Lee told a cheering crowd.

ABQ-live sat down with Santa Fe resident and ZOZOBRA LEGO creator Robert Pineda to learn about his history with Zozobra, his hometown of Santa Fe and what inspired his LEGO tribute to the Santa Fe annual tradition known as Zozobra.

Interview by Brenda Paiz

What inspired you to make a lego Zozobra?

I attended Zozofest (Zozobra Art Show) in 2016 and was in awe of all the amazing art work. After I left the event I went home and The Lego Movie was on and that got my mind going. A few months later I had came up with a design and started building. The set I made for last year’s Zozofest (2017) was much small in size in comparison to this year’s set.

How long did this particular model take and about how many lego pieces do you think it contains?

That question is a bit tricky. So I started buying parts and minifigures in January of 2018 so I wouldn’t be last minute on putting it all together. I when I was about 75% finished it was accidentally destroyed in late June. After some convincing from friends I restart putting it together in late late July and finished it in about 3 weeks. As far as actual time spent on it, I would have zero idea….too much time. To give you an idea on time it contains around 3K in pieces (mostly in the stages area) and over 140 minifigures placed in predetermined places with emotions on them varying from happiness to running to flying in like Superman and heck some people are taking selfies.

For those of us who don’t know too much about lego models, can you talk to us about the process of building something like this from scratch?

Plan in advance!! Take notes on parts you need and don’t loose those notes like I did. Prepare for the worse then watch it happen. Draw out or write down exactly how you want it to look, winging it only makes it worse. Organize legos by color. If you don’t know how to build something look up videos, get ideas from other sets and ask questions on message boards. Set a budget and be prepared to go over budget. Most of all have fun doing it.

Speaking of Old Man Gloom, will you be at Zozobra tomorrow night?

I will be. I am a member of The Kiwanis Club that puts Zozobra together so I will be working the event as a liaison for Meow Wolf who will be at Zozobra live streaming the event.

What kind of responses have you gotten from this awesome model? (media coverage, social media responses, etc.)

More than expected. KOB (Channel 4) KOAT (Channel 7) showed footage they shot of it on the news. The Chive posted a meme I made from a picture of the set. The New Mexican had pictures of it in their newspapers and social media page and ABQLive of course. Also from September 7-28 it will be at an art gallery on Historic Canyon Road.

Is there anything else that you would like our readers to know about your Zozobra Lego model?

Yeah. I built this set for kids and adults to enjoy. I put in lots of little “Easter Eggs” or tributes to people in the set. If you look at the “VIP” section I’m in there wearing a Macho Man Randy Savage shirt, some of the Zozobra crew can be seen wearing tie-dye shirts in tribute to this year’s Zozobra theme being the 60’s, I have a minifigure in the crowd that was mine from when I was kid way back in the 90’s, the mariachi band lead singer has the guitar from the animated movie Coco, I have a fire station right next to the baseball field just like at Fort Marcy park where Zozobra is burnt, concession stand and a merchandise stand…..lots and lots of little details that are way too long to list.

The Creative Bravos Award has returned to Albuquerque after being away for three years. Having a lengthy history with the City of Albuquerque, the Creative Bravos Award is given to members of the community whose work makes a significant impact on Albuquerque.

In the past the award was given annually to recognize the work of outstanding citizens and there creative contribution to the community.

“We the city in partnership with some amazing community partners felt that it (the award) was an important part of what’s going on in our arts and cultural community,” said Director of Cultural Services Dr. Shelle Sanchez.

Beginning her new role as Director of Cultural Services back in February of this year Sanchez said bringing back the award was one of the first things she wanted to see happen.

“It’s very important to validate and celebrate the contributions of people in our arts and cultural creative economy community,” Sanchez said. “Other fields do this. There is business awards all the time and leadership awards, it is something all other fields do. Without the Creative Bravos it’s not really happening in the Albuquerque community.”

When artist are recognized by their community it opens other doors for them, Sanchez said.

Winners of the Creative Bravos Awards come in all shapes, sizes and ages as 6-10 award will be given at a celebration in November. By allowing nominations of all ages to be accepted Sanchez hopes to recognize not just long time contributors to the artists community but rising stars as well.

While nominations are closed currently a community based election committee shared by first lady Elizabeth J. Kistin Keller, Sanchez said.

With winners notified in late September the award ceremony will take place on November 16th. While reintroducing the Bravos Awards was not a difficult or expensive program to organize, it took committed people to bring the award to reality, Sanchez said.

Sanchez immediately reached out to individuals in the city including those from several art organizations and cultural organizations across the city as well as an individual who worked on the committee for years during the Creative Bravos Awards last iteration, she said.

Some of the individuals Sanchez reached out to include Julia Mandeville with the Harwood Art Center and Valerie Martinez, Director of History & Literary Arts at National Hispanic Cultural Center.

Together these individuals are the ones that really did all the organizing and thoughtful work that pushed bringing the Creative Bravos Award back to Albuquerque, Sanchez said.

“That’s the thing that I’m most proud of,” she said. “Not only that we made it important to bring it back but that we also made partnering with our community an important part of bringing this back.”

With art organizers, the arts and the positive feedback from the community, Sanchez is confident that the award will be here to stay.

“It’s a really beautiful illustration of our arts and cultural diversity and richness here in Albuquerque and I think that people are just really happy to see this celebration come back,” Sanchez said. “There’s not another annual recognition of arts and culture specifically for our Albuquerque community. It’s a celebration but it’s also an honoring of peoples ongoing work and long term dedication to the field.”

Suggestion Box

Related Posts

ABQ-Live covered the Elevate Hair event on Sunday, March 25th inside Hotel Andaluz in downtown Albuquerque! Enjoy a sneak peek at some of the video and images the ABQ-Live team captured as the best stylists came out to participate and showcase their skills in this free event.